Two bucket seats vs. one.

[zee]

My goal is to build a tribute of CSX3029, one of the only 23 full competition cobras.

Being full competition, it had the bucket seat for the driver and normal for the passenger.

Will that too weird in real-life on a street car? Should I stick with two buckets seats?

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612c930924ebe52c8f9b81fe/da0cb7ff-fc0f-4972-9590-5b0f9cd18505/CSX+3029+Interior.jpg

These are the bucket seats (Kirkeys 55 Vintage, 17"). I am not using their cover, will get it / them upholstered in leather :-

163093163092

[JohnK]

Aesthetics are a very individual thing, but since you asked... personally I think that different seats would look weird. I'd go with two buckets. Then again, if you're going for the most authentic reproduction of a specific car, and that's important to you, then two different seats may be the right way to go. Whatever makes you happy.

Edit: I went with two race buckets (Ultrashield) and had them re-upholstered in leather locally to look a bit more like "regular" roadster seats. (see build post here (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?31167-Greek-Guys-Garage-Roadster-Build-9509-(glove-box-finished)&p=473565&viewfull=1#post473565))

[Jeff Kleiner]

You’re adding that 427 hardtop which is going to throw authenticity out the window so I’d say you can do whatever you want as far as the seats.

Jeff

[zee]

You’re adding that 427 hardtop which is going to throw authenticity out the window so I’d say you can do whatever you want as far as the seats.

Jeff

*IF* I manage to get the hardtop, it'll only go up in the rainy Canadian fall. Otherwise it'll be a top-less roadster.

[Jim1855]

Ever watch someone get in or out of a roadster with a top? A monkey, football with a few goats thrown in is more graceful. Drain holes in the floor, Rain-x and driving fast is easier. Everything will dry out... eventually.

On the seats. The Kirkey Vintage is a great seat and will keep the driver in place. Not all passengers will fit into one but will in a more traditional bucket. Are the two different seats a bit odd, yup, but you can make the point as to why you have both. Your car, your vision, your build, your checkbook - there's a pattern here.

Jim

[zee]

Ever watch someone get in or out of a roadster with a top?

I actually haven't. Now I am googling for a video of it :).

[RFracer]

My FIA has bucket for driver and regular Cobra passenger seat. Love the look. The race style seat holds me in place much better that the standard roadster style. Car was built as a race homage.

[cnutting]

My FIA has that setup as well.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=87465&d=1529289017

[Jeff Kleiner]

I actually haven't. Now I am googling for a video of it :).

Only marginally better…


https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=2617262728303994

:)

Jeff

[RFracer]

Only marginally better…


https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=2617262728303994

:)

Jeff

Had a coupe for about 5 years. The video is a reminder why I sold it.

[zee]

Only marginally better…


https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=2617262728303994

:)

Jeff

Crap. I better start working out.

[CraigS]

I say go for the two different seats. I did.
163154

[cob427sc]

Now I remeber why I sold my coupe! Ten years later, I would need a tube of lubricant to get out now.

[1966 fia_cobra]

I have two race seats I am looking for a regular roadster seat for the passenger. I am looking to trade 1to 1

[Blitzboy54]

I have no interest in even attempting an "authentic" cobra. I embraced a more modern look. I went with a high back for comfort and safety but honesty can't imagine mixing and matching. At the end of the day its your car and you should do you. I like getting input but ultimately it's my name on the title.

I'm also trying to get a fastback hardtop. I think we have been emailing each other about it. :)

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=158518&d=1639331792

[Avalanche325]

Drain holes in the floor, Rain-x and driving fast is easier. Everything will dry out... eventually.
Jim

I got caught in a Florida rain storm before I had my top. It is impossible to maintain speed in a town. The really fun part was when I was stopped at a light, and an 18 wheeler rocked by in the next lane. It was like a fire hose of dirty water right to the face.

I vacuumed 5 gallons of water out when I got home.

[Blitzboy54]

I got caught in a Florida rain storm before I had my top. It is impossible to maintain speed in a town. The really fun part was when I was stopped at a light, and an 18 wheeler rocked by in the next lane. It was like a fire hose of dirty water right to the face.

I vacuumed 5 gallons of water out when I got home.

That sounds horrible

[Avalanche325]

If you really want a tribute of a specific CSX, I say go all the way. If you just like the color combo, that is a little different. YOu can stray more.


If anyone asks why the seats are different........Because racecar!

[chuckster]

163241As does mine. With a Kirkey you’re really locked in place, great for comfort and hard cornering. I can’t imagine being able to get out of the car with a hard top. Not even with a quick release wheel which I have. Just my $.02.

[UpstateCobraGuy]

Your car, your build. Just understand if you plan on selling it in the future, anything outside the norm will affect value/ease to sell. I personally love the idea, but the next guy may not. Plan accordingly....

[AC Bill]

I really like the idea of authenticity and building the car as a tribute to one particular car, so I'd stick to any particular features it had, as closely as possible.

Now that being said, will your extra efforts ever be appreciated by anyone other than yourself? There is only a handful of individuals in all of Canada, and probably not that many more in the US, who have enough intimate knowledge of the various Originals, to actually appreciate the replicated details you put into it. Your average Joe Blow at a car show, or a cruise night, won't know the difference.

[Avalanche325]

Getting out with a top on is not something that you want to do in front of a group of hot women. For me, I sort of back out butt first.......very sexy.

[GTBradley]

To me it depends on your definition of “tribute”. I would stick to the original everywhere possible if I were calling a tribute, but that’s not everyone’s opinion of the word I’m sure.

[J R Jones]

This kind of conflict may require resolution on a therapy table.

[SnakeBitten14]

I did two racing buckets that match. I think it looks better. I bought a separate high back kirkey seat that I can just swap in for track days.